chapter 47

YOU ARE THE RHYTHM OF MY HEART!Chapter 47 :Approaching the company, Nandu parked his car in the cellar parking lot before heading toward the elevator. He stepped in, pressing the button for the designated floor, and soon arrived at the conference hall, where his personal assistant, Gaurav, was already waiting for him.Nandu gave a curt nod in acknowledgment as Gaurav held the door open for him. His eyes swept across the room, taking in the familiar faces. At the head of the table sat his father, his mother occupying the first seat to his right. The other directors were seated along the table, their expressions unreadable, while Vivek—the root of the current issue—sat among them.Noting the empty chair to his father’s left, Nandu made his way to it. As he passed his mother, he cast a glance her way, only to find her deliberately avoiding his gaze. A silent sigh escaped him, though his face remained impassive.Once seated, Nandu’s cold, distant eyes swept across the room before settling on Vivek. His unwavering gaze made Vivek squirm uncomfortably in his seat.After a brief glance at everyone present, Yeshwanth cleared his throat and began,“Gentlemen! I heard some commotion in the company, which forced me to cut short my time with my family and return immediately to understand what is happening. Can anyone enlighten me on the situation?”. His voice was authoritative and steady.The directors exchanged glances among themselves before fixing their eyes on Dharmender, Vivek’s father—the reason behind this sudden meeting.Clearing his throat, Dharmender took the lead in the discussion. “As you all know, due to certain circumstances, there has been tension in your family, which led to Anand being forced out of your house. Given the situation, I don’t believe Anand can focus on the business as he did before. Considering this, all the directors agree that it would be best to temporarily appoint a new CEO until the conflict within your family settles”. His voice was firm and unwavering.Yeshwanth’s eyes narrowed as he challenged,“Have you ever seen personal conflicts affecting our business before? Don’t we always keep professional and family matters separate? What makes you think Anand will lose focus on business just because of some turbulence at home?”.Silence filled the room as no one dared to respond. Finally, Dharmender stepped up again.“Yeshwanth! Anand hasn’t set foot in the company since the day he was thrown out of the house. We haven’t seen him involved in any business matters since then. There’s growing speculation that he won’t return until the issues within your family are resolved. Isn’t it your responsibility to clear these doubts and provide clarity?”. His voice was steady and challenging.“Dharmender!” Yeshwanth’s voice boomed through the room, making Dharmender flinch for a moment before regaining his composure.“Let me make one thing clear. Anand was not thrown out of the house. He left of his own accord for the love of his life. He is still our son and the CEO of this company. No one dares to point fingers at him in this matter. I do not tolerate family conflicts being dragged into business affairs. And don’t you all know that his personal assistant, Gaurav, has been handling all matters under Anand’s instructions? He may be occupied with personal matters, but that does not mean he is neglecting the company”.His voice was cold and distant as he continued,“And what made you so sure that the CEO would be replaced over such a trivial issue? Can anyone here manage the business as Anand does? I challenge you on that”. His tone was sharp and dominant.Dharmender swallowed hard, glancing at Yeshwanth before shifting his gaze toward Sagarika. Gathering his resolve, he replied,“Yeshwanth! But shouldn’t you consider the opinions of the directors who are dissatisfied with the current situation? They believe a temporary change in leadership is necessary. Why don’t you ask the other directors if they are truly comfortable with Anand’s continued absence, knowing the conflicts he faces within his family?”.His eyes lingered on Sagarika as he deliberately added,“Does Sagarika wish to see him in the company?”. He had intentionally touched a sensitive nerve, hoping that Sagarika—who had opposed Anand’s marriage—would stand against him.Nandu’s eyes swiftly shifted toward his mother, waiting for her response. Though inwardly, he was certain that she would never mix family conflicts with business affairs. Yeshwanth, too, cast a glance at Sagarika, waiting for her decision.Sagarika leaned back in her chair, stretching her hands onto the table and clasping both palms together. Her gaze swept across the directors before settling firmly on Dharmender.“What made you think I would oppose his presence in the company?”, she questioned, her voice calm and composed. She continued,“We should not drag family conflicts into business affairs—don’t you understand this simple principle? I might be disappointed with recent events, but once we step into this company, personal matters should be left behind. Here, we must act professionally and focus solely on increasing our company’s profits, striving to take it to greater heights”.Her sharp gaze scanned the room before she added, “If any of you have an issue with Anand continuing as CEO, you are free to propose an alternative candidate. Let’s have a vote. My support remains with Anand—he has proven his efficiency and success since taking over this position. I do not wish for an incompetent person to take charge and drive the company toward downfall. If anyone disagrees with my statement, you are welcome to present your choice. The decision will be made through a fair vote, and whoever gains the majority support from the shareholders will be the CEO”.Her voice, steady and authoritative, echoed through the room, carrying the composed strength of a professional businesswoman.-  *KRISH*